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How to Clean Vinyl Siding

Luckily, vinyl siding is fairly easy to clean, and there are a wide variety of products to help remove typical stains. According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, the best way is to use a soft cloth or an ordinary long-handled, soft-bristle brush. To prevent streaking, start at the bottom and work up towards the top of the house. Thoroughly rinse any cleaning solution as you go.
Some good cleaning solutions include:
• 70% water, 30% white vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleanser that removes light mold and mildew stains.
• For a stronger solution, mix together one-third cup powdered laundry detergent, two-thirds cup powdered household cleaner, one quart liquid laundry bleach and one gallon of water.
• If you are concerned about landscaping, use a solution comprised of one gallon of water mixed with one cup oxygen bleach in a bucket. The oxygen bleach will clean the vinyl without damaging your landscaping.
• Simple Green offers an environmentally friendly cleaner that is specially formulated for use on vinyl and aluminum siding, stucco, terra cotta roof tiles and painted wood. The non-toxic biodegradable concentrate can be used manually or with pressure washers.
• General household cleansers (e.g., Fantastik, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Windex and Lysol) can be used on tough dirt and stains, including those created by top soil, grass, grease, oil, rust, crayon, ink and bubble gum. Rust stains may be removed using products designed

Signs You May Need New Siding

The Home Needs Frequent Painting

 If a home needs frequent painting, say once every five or six years, that is a good sign that something is wrong with the current siding. Good home siding should keep its shape and keep its color for at least 8-10 years, if not longer. Siding that is chipping, pealing, or cracking is an indication that there is a fundamental problem and that the siding needs replacement.

High Heating and Cooling Bills

 When a home’s heating or cooling costs go through the roof (so to speak), that can be a sure sign that a home is in need of new siding. Naturally it is important to rule out a bad or leaking roof or lack of attic insulation as the culprit, but heating or cooling costs that are not in line with those of neighbors with similar structures is an indication that something is seriously flawed with a home’s exterior wall insulation.

Dry Rot

 Tapping on siding with the handle of a screwdriver can reveal dry rot problems before they become noticeable to the naked eye. Dry rot begins below the surface of the siding and eats away the main body of the siding, basically leaving just the top layer of the siding intact. It is possible for the siding to look quite good even when the bulk of the material has rotted away.

Tapping on the surface of the siding with the handle of a screwdriver will reveal weak spots of dry rot, and pieces of siding which suffer from dry rot must be removed immediately and replaced. Extensive dry rot will require the entire home to be re-sided.

 

 There are many reasons a homeowner might want to install new siding on a house.

Protecting a home from potential damage from rain, wind, snow, or insects by replacing old or worn siding is just one reason.

Another reason may be aesthetics. Most homeowners want their home to look its best, and new siding greatly enhances a home’s curb appeal when it comes time to sell.

At the end, one word of caution: replacing siding may look simple, but the truth is, it’s not. Cutting and fitting siding so that it is waterproof and windproof takes a certain amount of experience.

Why a Deck...

The always in fashion deck is one of the most cost-effective ways of adding extra space to your home. Building a deck does not include plumbing and electrical work so maintaining cost is doable. Decks boost curb appeal and are easy to maintain.